Microsoft last added a dedicated key to its Windows keyboard layout in 1994, when the iconic Windows key was introduced. Three decades later, the tech giant based in Redmond is ready to bring artificial intelligence to the keyboard.

The key, named "Copilot" after Microsoft's AI digital assistant, will provide easy access to AI-driven features and will be built into the Windows 11 keyboard starting later this year.

This move further reflects Microsoft's strategy of deep integration of AI into its products and services. Through partnerships with AI leaders like OpenAI and Meta, as well as significant internal investments, the tech giant aims to make AI an integral part of users' daily digital experiences.

In a blog post announcing this change, Microsoft stated, "We believe this will make it easier for people to engage in the AI transformation." The Copilot key will join the Windows key as a core part of the PC keyboard, and pressing this new key will bring up the Copilot experience within Windows, making interactions with Copilot seamless in everyday life.

The key will be located near the spacebar and will replace the "CTRL" key or the menu key on the right side, depending on the computer model. The new Copilot keyboard key will start appearing on major manufacturers' Windows 11 laptops and desktops, such as Dell and HP, this month.

Pressing the Copilot key will summon the AI assistant to help with tasks ranging from composing emails and documents to adjusting PC settings.

Microsoft describes it as "another transformative moment in our journey with Windows, where Copilot becomes the entry point into the AI world on your PC."

The Copilot assistant itself is powered by generative AI models like GPT-4.5 Turbo and Dall-E 3, provided by Microsoft's partner OpenAI. Microsoft's $10 billion investment in OpenAI ensures early access to cutting-edge AI systems.

Microsoft emphasizes that "we will continue to build Windows as the destination for the best AI experiences" and highlights the fusion of local and cloud processing in the operating system set to be released later this year.

The keyboard update aligns with reports of Microsoft's plans to transform Windows into a yearly update rhythm focused on introducing new AI features. The 2024 update, codenamed "Hudson Valley," will introduce enhanced capabilities like AI-powered media quality enhancement and real-time translation.

AI is being woven into the everyday user experience of Microsoft products, from the Office productivity suite to Outlook and Teams. Even the legendary Paint has gained AI-driven features, making it more like a lightweight version of Photoshop rather than the program kids used to draw stick figures with 20 years ago.

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